What's up guys. I'm totally new to camaros. Owned chevy 4x4's my whole driving life and looking to get a third gen for a d.d. to keep the miles off my new truck. Was hopeing to get some info on buying and where to look for rust and where other problems like to hide on these cars.

 

For rust...just look pretty much everywhere. The floor pans are the biggest issue. Especially around the jack points. Check the rockers underneath along the edge of the floor pan. The rear wheel arches. Spare tire area in the rear passenger side. Bottom of the doors. The passenger side firewall under the heater/ac box. Just pretty much everywhere.

 

If your looking at a t top car another spot to check is the t top bar. Fold the weather stripping back a little bit and make sure the bar is intact. Otherwise check all the spots mentioned above especially along the rocker where the bottom fender bolt is. 7 out of the 8 third gens that I've owned we're rotted bad there. The battery box is another rust prone area. Other generally common issues with a typical worn car are sagging doors, leaking weatherstripping, and general neglect of wear items. Good luck with your search and these cars are a blast to drive once they are sorted.

 

Cool good to hear its in obvious places. I'm looking at one right now that's missing the bottom trim piece on the front fender by the door jam. Its a 87 rs with a v6. I've searched but can't find that replacement t trim. Could I get this single piece with out buying the whole ground effects kit

 

check junkyards, no joke i've found a TON of parts for mine just cruising around local places.

 

Welcome to third-gen.

 

For the T-Top trim piece you might want to bite the bullet and buy a new one. I bought one straight from GM for 200.00
If your going to keep the car for awhile, getting as many new parts on it as you can is the best way to go.

 

Yea that what the plan was. To replace everything with new stuff. I went and looked at 3 of them today. And all were way over priced and body's where ruff

 

That how it usually goes with buying a semi collectible car. People want mint car money for cars driven hard and poorly maintained but keep searching and the right car will come along. Another option is to consider a roller. In my area at least you can score a great deal buying a car with no drivetrain.

 

I have owned quite a few f-bodies over the years and I suggest putting in some sub-frame connectors. It will make a world of difference in the amount of door sag you get.